How to Write Epic String Ostinatos like Hans Zimmer

Filipe Leitão
Apr 24
3 min read

If you’ve ever watched a Christopher Nolan film or played a modern action-adventure game, you’ve felt the power of the string ostinato. Think of Hans Zimmer’s work in Inception — those hypnotic rhythmic figures that build tension and momentum like a ticking time bomb. Or the relentless drive in The Dark Knight Rises as Batman rises from the pit — simple patterns, but executed with intensity and emotional power.

In cinematic scoring, trailer cues, and even electronic or hybrid orchestral music, the ostinato is your secret weapon. It’s the engine that keeps everything moving.

But there’s a problem…

The Loop That Kills the Mood

Many composers fall into the “loop trap.” They write a 1-bar or 2-bar idea that sounds good at first, but after a few repetitions, the energy fades. The track becomes static, predictable, and lifeless. Instead of driving the scene forward, the music starts dragging it down.

So how do you keep your ostinatos fresh and dynamic — without spending hours reprogramming MIDI?

Let’s break it down.

1. Start with Rhythm, Not Chords

A great ostinato isn’t just about notes — it’s about feel. Too many composers begin with harmonic progressions and try to “fit” a rhythm over it. Flip that.

Sketch the rhythm first, even if it’s just clapping or tapping on your desk. Focus on syncopation, spacing, and accent placement.

🎬 Example 1: Inception – “Mombasa”

This cue opens with a driving rhythmic ostinato that builds under percussion and synths, gradually layered with strings. It’s not complex — it’s effective because of placement, repetition, and variation.

Want to boost energy instantly?

Use rests to create rhythmic tension
Insert off-beat accents for urgency
Try odd meters like 5/8 or 7/8 to push your audience slightly off balance (in a good way)

2. Use Range and Instrument Layers for Contrast

String ostinatos don’t belong only in the cellos.

In fact, some of the most gripping cinematic moments come from high-register rhythms that slice through the texture — especially in suspense or sci-fi scenes.

🎬 Example 2: The Dark Knight Rises – “Why Do We Fall?”

Zimmer uses rising string pulses, starting from low rhythmic figures and building upward into violins. The shift in register mirrors the story arc — tension, struggle, and triumph.

Think of your strings like layers in a painting:

Low strings = weight, gravity
Mid strings = richness, core tone
High strings = urgency, shimmer

Don’t be afraid to move your patterns across registers to develop contrast and narrative drive.

3. Alternate Articulations and Rhythmic Shapes

If your ostinato sounds robotic, this is probably why. Real string players never repeat identically — bow weight changes, note length varies, and subtle phrasing makes the part breathe.

Here’s how to bring life into MIDI: